Uncover the secrets trees keep and learn how you can help preserve their future.
WORLD RAINFOREST DAY is on 22 June. To celebrate, let’s talk about the overlooked (and surprising) world of trees.
It’s well known that the rainforest is vital for the health of our planet — but did you know that the trees of the rainforest hold secrets? Coined the “lungs of the planet,” the rainforest plays an essential role in the maintenance of our planet’s environment. Over 40,000 species of trees that play a crucial role for the sustained health of our planet can be found in rainforests around the world. Rainforests consists of four layers — the emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor. Each lush layer works together to provide a home for millions of species; ranging from fungi to Capuchin monkeys. The trees of the rainforest provide life to Earth beyond their own ecosystem. With trees covering over 6 million square kilometers of the Earth, every tree in the rainforest works together to help filter the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
All of these facts about the rainforest are widely known, but trees have been hiding a major secret from us about how they function — they’re able to communicate with one another. Researchers have discovered that forest trees can interact using mycorrhizal networks. Mycorrhizal networks, or the ability to communicate in symbiosis with fungi, are created in forests between trees to communicate. Studies have observed that the function of this fascinating network is for trees to exchange information about the environment and resources around them. For example, the mycorrhizal network can be used to transfer carbon from one tree to another. This secret communication technique is a fascinating discovery that shows that rainforests work together for their survival — and show that trees have a distinct awareness of their surroundings.
There are still many secrets left to uncover about the rainforest. Though it’s assumed that every inch of the rainforest has been explored — scientists believe that there is still more to learn. If deforestation continues — we will never be able to uncover the secrets of the trees or fully understand their interconnectivity through mycorrhizal networks. Deforestation is jeopardizing the place that makes our planet magical. 17% of the rainforest has been destroyed since 1973 — a number that continues to grow. And with the secret of the trees’ communication unveiled; we know that every single tree matters.
Together we can ensure more of the RAINFOREST’s secrets are uncovered — and preserved. Donate today.
